Welder
Join metal parts using heat - in manufacturing, construction, or oil and gas.
This UK welder career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £80,000 (coded / offshore)
- Work environment
- Workshop, site, or offshore
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years
- Degree required
- Not required - NVQ + tickets
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a Welder does
Join metal parts using heat - in manufacturing, construction, or oil and gas.
- Coded Welder - Welds tested and approved for high-pressure or critical work.
- Pipe Welder (Offshore) - High-paying offshore work on rigs and platforms.
How to become a Welder
- Look up Welder roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Welder - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Patience
- Reading drawings
- Safety